Jeremiah Denton

In military history today, on February 12, 1973, the first plane load of American POWs freed from North Vietnam landed at Clark Field in the Philippines.  The senior officer, then Capt. Jeremiah Denton, USN made the following statement:

"We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our country in difficult circumstances.  We are profoundly grateful to our Commander-in-Chief and to our nation for this day.  God bless America!"

Capt. Denton was promoted to Rear Admiral and finally retired in 1977.  He went on to represent Alabama as the first Republican US Senator since Reconstruction in 1980.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  I hope the New Year finds you happy and in good health.  I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities in 2015. 

Do You Remember?

Tomorrow is the 30th anniversary of the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.   241 US servicemen died that day including my friend, classmate and fellow Marine, 1Lt Don Woollett.

The death toll was 241 American servicemen: 220 Marines, 18 sailors and three soldiers, making this incident the deadliest single-day death toll for the United States Marine Corps since World War II's Battle of Iwo Jima and the deadliest single-day death toll for the United States military since the first day of the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive.

The French also lost 58 paratroopers in an attack to their barracks just minutes after the attack on the Marine position.

Do you remember?  We should never forget their sacrifice.  As inscribed on the memorial in Jacksonville, NC, "They came in peace."

RIP Don, I have not forgotten.

Three Years

A little over three years ago, my boss informed me I was laid off. What started as a normal Monday went south in a hurry. I was treated well and was given two weeks to clear out. This was right after I had just finished my last annual training as a Marine reservist and was due to retire a couple of months later. So, I was essentially starting from scratch again.

Over the next 13 months, I rekindled my network of friends and family. I landed a job with a drilling equipment provider as a Training Center Manager. Unfortunately, this job did not pan out. Although it lasted 15 months, I knew my days there were short lived. After a short period of unemployment, I was back with my previous employer which had been bought out by another company.

Over the past three years, I have been unemployed for half the time. My pocket book has taken a severe hit. I've been knocked down more than once. I've been told more no more times than I can remember. They say during times as these you build character. Rubbish! I say, trying times shows the world your true character.

Family and friends have helped me more ways than I can count. I am truly blessed to have a loving family and loyal friends. Thanks to all for believing in me.

Thanksgiving

Friends, family and colleagues, as some of you may know I landed a job with GP Strategies last week. GP Strategies bought my former employer RWD Technologies last year, so it is almost a homecoming event. This a good match for all involved.

So, with the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, it is appropriate that I give thanks to my friends and family who helped and encouraged me during this transition period. I am fortunate to have a strong network and I appreciate all who helped.

I am lucky and grateful I have my health but I am more thankful for my loving family who never broke faith in me. Jobs and careers may come and go but it is our loved ones and friends who truly matter.

Hopefully, while we shuffle around trying to survive the mad dash for sales and good deals, we can take a deep breath, slow down and recognize the important things in our lives: Friends and Family.

As always, let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Thanks,
Ron